HR Advisor

Cockburn Multi Academy Trust; Oulton; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CIPD funding

Annual leave 28–31 days

Hybrid working

Career progression

Employee Assistance Programme

Blue Light Card

Long service awards

Job summary

Cockburn Multi-Academy Trust is seeking a passionate HR Advisor to join our central HR team, based at Cockburn School. The role offers 37 hours per week, a permanent contract and CIPD development support.

You will advise on employee relations, recruitment and a broad range of people matters across a growing Trust. Join a collaborative team with Directors of People and senior HR colleagues, shaping the staff experience in a multi-school community while enjoying flexible/hybrid working

Qualifications

• Provides professional HR advice on employee relations, recruitment and other people matters.
• Willing to develop within a supportive organisation with coaching from Directors of People and senior HR staff.
• Previously an HR practitioner or looking to advance in HR careers with development opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional HR advice and support to school leaders and staff across the Trust.
• Support employee relations, recruitment and people matters in a collaborative HR team.
• Work with Directors of People, Senior HR Advisor and Trust Recruitment & Safeguarding Advisor.
• Help develop and implement HR policies and processes across the Trust.
• Manage own workload while maintaining high service standards.

Skills

People focus

Communication skills

Proactive problem solving

Employee relations

Team player

Commitment to education

Job description

Location: Trust Central Team, based at Cockburn School
Start Date: January 2027
Salary: SO1-SO2 (depending on experience)
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent (subject to successful completion of probation)

At Cockburn Multi-Academy Trust, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We are an ambitious and growing Trust serving communities across South Leeds, currently comprising seven schools (three secondary and four primary) supporting over 4,200students and employing more than 630 colleagues.

As we continue our exciting journey of growth and improvement, we are looking for a passionate and people-focused HR Advisor to join our central HR team in this new role.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop their HR career within a supportive organisation where their work has a direct impact on the experience of both staff and students.

Why join us?

No two days are the same in this role. Working closely with school leaders and colleagues across the Trust, you will provide professional HR advice and support on a range of employee relations, recruitment and people matters. You will be joining an experienced and highly supportive team, working alongside our Directors of People, Senior HR Advisor and Trust Recruitment & Safeguarding Advisor.

Whether you are an experienced HR practitioner or looking to take the next step in your HR career, we will provide the support, guidance and development opportunities to help you succeed.

We are looking for someone who:

• Is passionate about people and making a positive difference in education.
• Builds strong, professional relationships and has excellent communication skills.
• Takes a proactive, practical and solution-focused approach to challenges.
• Understands the importance of fair, consistent and supportive employee relations practices.
• Thrives as part of a collaborative team while confidently managing their own workload.
• Shares our commitment to improving outcomes for children, young people and staff.

What we can offer you

At Cockburn Multi-Academy Trust, we are committed to investing in our people and creating a workplace where colleagues can thrive.

We offer:

• Funding and support towards a CIPD Level 5 or Level 7 qualification.
• Generous annual leave entitlement of 28 days, rising to 31 days after five years' service, plus bank holidays.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements during academy holiday periods.
• Excellent opportunities for career progression within a growing Trust.
• A welcoming, collaborative and experienced HR team.
• A Trust that prioritises staff wellbeing and work-life balance.
• Access to a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, including counselling, physiotherapy, virtual GP services and personal training support.
• Shopping and lifestyle discounts, including Blue Light Card access.
• Long service recognition awards.

This is more than an HR role. It's an opportunity to help shape the employee experience across a growing Trust and contribute to an organisation that is committed to delivering exceptional education for children and young people.

If you have the passion, enthusiasm and commitment to help us achieve our ambitions, we would love to hear from you.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact us on 0113 271 9962 or email [e-mail].

We warmly welcome visits from prospective candidates. Come and meet the team, learn more about the role and discover what makes Cockburn Multi-Academy Trust such a great place to work.